Google announces Android 8.0 Oreo

Today, Google has officially introduced Android 8.0 Oreo, the latest release of the platform. Oreo is apparently smarter, faster and more powerful than its predecessor, Android 7.0 Nougat.

It comes with new features like picture-in-picture and Autofill to help users navigate tasks seamlessly. Plus it has stronger security protections and speed improvements that keep users safe and moving fast.

Android Oreo is more secure with Google Play Protect built in, security status front and centre in settings, and tighter app install controls. Android Oreo also helps minimise unintentional overuse of battery from apps in the background; these limits keep the battery going longer.

Android Oreo makes it easy to carry out tasks such as checking your schedule while staying on a video call with picture-in-picture, letting the user see two apps at once. Also, with Android Oreo, notification dots let the user tap to see what is new in apps, such as the important ones on the homescreen, and then take action on those notifications quickly.

When you’re on the go, speed is perhaps the most important feature of a smartphone, and with Android Oreo, users can get started on tasks more quickly than ever with a faster boot speed (up to twice as fast on Pixel). Once powered up, Autofill on Android Oreo remembers things like logins (with the user’s permission) to quickly open favourite apps. Plus, support for Android Instant Apps means users can go directly into new apps, no installation needed.

Google is pushing the sources to Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for everyone to access today. Pixel and Nexus 5X/6P builds have entered carrier testing, and Google expects to start rolling out in phases soon, alongside Pixel C and Nexus Player.

The company has also been working closely with its partners, and by the end of this year hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo.

Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Programme will also receive this final version.

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Smart Chimps is the creation of freelance editor, writer and media trainer, Heather McLean. Heather has been involved in telecoms journalism since 2001, specialising in mobile since 2002. Find out more